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Seriously, Is That Healthy Coffee Or A Fattening Liquid Dessert?

DENVER, Oct. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Years ago, coffee was subjected to unwarranted criticism, since studies didn't take into account high-risk behavior among heavy coffee drinkers, such as smoking and inactivity. So some people grew up hearing that coffee would stunt their growth or could cause heart disease and cancer. Today we know these warnings are unwarranted and that, thanks to its high antioxidant content, coffee in moderation offers protection against Type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's disease, liver cancer and more. Heavy caffeine consumption—at least four cups of coffee daily—can cause restlessness, anxiety, irritability and sleeplessness. But in moderation, the health benefits far outweigh the risks.

Many people say they drink coffee to curb their appetites. Gourmet drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes have an average 240 calories, versus 75 for brewed coffee with cream and sugar, reports Pat Fiducia, CEO of CalorieKing Publications. But, she adds, many contain even more calories from sugar and fat. In fact, some blended coffee drinks contain more whipped cream, whole milk or half-and-half than coffee. One popular coffee choice contains 53 grams of fat and 127 grams of sugar, weighing in at 1,050 calories. Because of the harmful effects of such dietary excesses, the days of buying a cup of coffee and putting a packet of sugar in it are far behind us, according to Jane Hurley, senior nutritionist for the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

But wait—that might not actually be the case. Enter Rohan Marley, with what is now getting major buzz as possibly the world's most delicious coffee. Rohan's late father, Bob Marley, gave us the lyrics " One Love! One Heart! / Let's get together and feel all right," which took reggae to a new level. Rohan is now betting that his company, Marley Coffee, will take the coffee drinking experience to a new level and become a global hit. Best of all, no whipped cream or other fancy fattening additives are necessary. Marley Coffee's coffee beans are carefully tended and organically grown in Jamaica's Blue Mountains. The company has perfected the development process to painstakingly preserve the rich, bold flavors of its beans.

"To me, if you want coffee, find a brand you love that is delicious by itself," says Marley. "If you want the taste of whipped cream or syrup, don't call it coffee—get real and get yourself a shake or a malted. Marley Coffee doesn't need any fancy accompaniments."